Chewing gum product with dental care benefits

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a chewing gum product which has a content of one or more active ingredients for improved dental health. In one embodiment a present invention chewing gum product has a content of ingredients which include a gum base, dispersed particles of organic-encapsulated sodium bicarbonate, a bulking sweetener, and a flavorant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject matter of this patent application is related to thatdisclosed in copending patent applications Ser. No. 08/539,010, filedOct. 3, 1995; Ser. No. 08/540,244, filed Oct. 5, 1995; and Ser. No.08/574,313, filed Dec. 18, 1995.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject matter of this patent application is related to thatdisclosed in copending patent applications Ser. No. 08/539,010, filedOct. 3, 1995; Ser. No. 08/540,244, filed Oct. 5, 1995; and Ser. No.08/574,313, filed Dec. 18, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dental research has developed substantial evidence that dental plaque isthe predominant etiological factor responsible for both periodontaldisease and dental caries. Dental caries is the localized, progressivedecay of the teeth. It results from tooth demineralization brought aboutby acids formed when bacteria in dental plaque ferment carbohydratefoods present in the mouth.

Dental plaque is a deposit which accumulates on the teeth and adjacentsurfaces in the oral cavity. The plaque is a product of microbialgrowth, primarily derived from food residues in the mouth. Mucoproteinsand minerals present from the saliva and dead cells in the mouth alsoassist in plaque formation.

Plaque is removed to some extent by effective brushing of the teeth, butthe less accessible and more sheltered areas of the mouth which cannotbe readily reached by a toothbrush, are particularly susceptible toplaque and eventual calculus growth. Left unhindered, the plaqueincreases in size and more tenaciously adheres to the teeth. Thebacterial metabolism within the plaque on the tooth surface results inthe production of acids, toxins and enzymes which are deleterious to theneighboring oral tissues. There is evidence pointing to plaque as beingthe direct cause of dental caries, due to the generation of acids withinthe plaque structure.

To protect a normal tooth, a thin layer of dental enamel forms aprotective coating over the tooth. This coating consists mainly ofcalcium, phosphate, and other ions in a hydroxyapatite-like structure.The enamel contains 2-5 percent carbonate, which makes the enamelsusceptible to acid dissolution.

The interaction of three factors is believed to result in dental caries:a susceptible tooth surface; microflora; and suitable substrate for themicroflora. Although several acidogenic microorganisms that are presentin the mouth can initiate carious lesions, Streptococcus mutans isbelieved to be the primary pathogen.

It is known that foods containing fermentable carbohydrates can promotedental caries. Tooth decay begins when the Streptococcus mutans, thatreside principally in the plaque that adheres to a tooth surface,metabolize the fermentable carbohydrates consumed by the host. Duringthe metabolism of the fermentable carbohydrates by the bacteria, lacticacid and other organic acids are secreted as a by-product. These acidsreduce the pH of the surrounding plaque/tooth environment.

When the pH of the plaque/tooth environment drops below a critical levelof 5.5 to 5.7, hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate hydroxide, Ca₁₀ (PO₄)₆(OH)₂), the key component of tooth enamel, begins to dissolve.Typically, the dissolution begins below the tooth's porous surface.

With repeated acid attacks, caused by the further metabolism offermentable carbohydrates by the bacteria, subsurface lesions expand. Ifthe lesions expand to the point that the enamel surface breaks, a cavityis formed and the process is no longer reversible.

The natural remineralization process involves, in part, the flow ofsaliva over the plaque. The saliva can raise the pH of the environment.Additionally, calcium and phosphate ions in the saliva precipitate outto replace the hydroxyapatite that was dissolved by the organic acidscreated during the metabolism of the fermentable carbohydrates.

Typically, this remineralization process only occurs at significantlevels when the pH is above the critical level. If the saliva does notsufficiently raise the pH, significant remineralization will not occur.The remineralization process may be enhanced by fluoride in the oralcavity that speeds up new crystal growth and makes a fluorapatite-likematerial that is precipitated on the surface of the crystals inside thecarie lesion.

The most important single factor contributing to periodontal disease isthe accumulation of plaque and dental calculus (e.g., salivary tartar)on the teeth. These deposits result in tissue inflammation of thesurrounding gingiva, and, as the condition increases in severity, thesupporting bone is also affected. These reactions lead to thedestruction of the supporting structures and the subsequent mass loss ofteeth which are usually free of decay.

Although brushing the teeth with a toothbrush and dentifrice is a widelyrecognized technique for maintaining dental health, the average Americanbrushes only about once a day for approximately one minute. Therefore, agreat need exists for finding additional methods for improving dailyoral hygiene. Chewing gum has over the years been advocated as apossible excellent adjunct for cleaning the teeth, because people findchewing of gum very pleasurable and chew gum for much longer periods oftime than they brush their teeth. Chewing gum is especially advantageousfor use in circumstances where toothbrushing is not possible orconvenient, such as after lunch, while traveling, or while working.

In general, chewing gum comprises a neutral and tasteless masticatorychewing gum base and one or more non-masticatory active ingredientsmixed into the base. As used herein, an "active ingredient" is aningredient such as a sweetener; a flavoring agent which determinesflavor and taste characteristics of the gum; a body-treating ingredientsuch as a medicinal drug or pharmaceutical agent which is released at agradual rate and ingested during chewing; or a breath-fresheningingredient which treats or reduces oral malodor. In addition, thechewing gum may contain water-soluble and usually sweet non-masticatorybulking agents, a coloring agent, or a plasticizing agent which isemployed to improve the texture of the gum.

Certain active chewing gum ingredients benefit from or requireencapsulation in order to achieve a gradual and controlled release ofthe ingredients during chewing or to promote their stability in chewinggum.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,794 describes a chewing gum which has a content ofan encapsulated sodium chloride ingredient. The coating on the sodiumchloride particles provides a prolonged flavor-enhancing effect withoutimparting a salty taste.

Of background interest with respect to the present invention arepublications which disclose chewing gum products containing abicarbonate salt such as sodium bicarbonate. Prior art referencesinclude U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,148,872; 4,150,112, 4,156,715; 4,156,716;4,157,385; 4,159,315; 4,160,054; 4,160,820; 4,170,633; 4,269,860;4,639,368; 4,867,989; 4,952,407; 4,997,667; 5,077,051; and the like.

There is continuing interest in the development of novel chewing gumproducts which provide dental health benefits during normal usage.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a chewing gumproduct which can serve as a convenient adjunct for improved dentalhealth.

It is another object of this invention to provide a chewing gum productwhich has a content of encapsulated therapeutic ingredient for oralhygiene which is sustain-released over a prolonged period under oralchewing conditions.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a chewing gumproduct which counteracts bacteria-generated acids, enhances salivaflow, and exhibits plaque-inhibiting activity.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention shall becomeapparent from the accompanying description and examples.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One or more objects of the present invention are accomplished by theprovision of a chewing gum product comprising between about 15-80 weightpercent of a gum base, and between about 1-30 weight percent ofdispersed particles of an organic-encapsulated alkali metal bicarbonateingredient.

In another embodiment this invention provides a chewing gum productcomprising (1) between about 15-80 weight percent of a gum base; (2)between about 1-30 weight percent of dispersed particles of anorganic-encapsulated alkali metal bicarbonate ingredient; (3) betweenabout 0-25 weight percent of alkali metal bicarbonate powder ingredient;(4) between about 5-70 weight percent of a water-soluble bulkingingredient; (5) between about 0-5 weight percent of a flavorantingredient; (6) between about 0-0.2 weight percent of a colorantingredient; (7) between about 0-20 weight percent of an abrasiveingredient; (8) between about 0-3 weight percent of a surfactantingredient; (9) between about 0-3 weight percent of a fluoridatingingredient; and (10) between about 0-15 weight percent of glycerin orlecithin or a mixture thereof.

A present invention chewing gum may be any variety of different chewinggum types including low and high moisture, sugar or sugarless,wax-containing or wax-free, low calorie, and the like, and can containother health agents.

A chewing gum product generally consists of a water-insoluble gum base,a water-soluble portion, and flavors. The water-soluble portiondissipates over a period of time, and the gum base portion is retainedduring mastication.

A conventional chewing gum base usually contains an elastomer, anelastomer solvent, and various other ingredients such as fillers,softeners, plasticizers and emulsifiers. Gum base raw materials aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos, 2,366,589; 3,821,417; 3,984,574; 4,041,179;4,170,633; 4,400,372; 4,590,075; and 5,378,131; incorporated byreference. The history and development of chewing gum products iselaborated in "Chewing Gum" by A. H. Suck, (Haarmann & Reimer, SecondEdition), incorporated by reference.

Chewing gum base elastomers for stick gum and dragees include chicle,jelutong, balata, crown gum, guttapercha, sorva, butadiene-styrenecopolymer, polyisobutylene, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer,polyethylene, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

Chewing gum base elastomer solvents include pentaerythritol ester ofwood rosin, glycerol ester of polymerized rosin, partially hydrogenatedmethyl ester of rosin, and the like.

Chewing gum base waxes include natural wax, polyethylene wax, paraffinwax, beeswax, carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, and the like.

Chewing gum base compositions for stick gum and dragees are commerciallyavailable under tradenames such as Paloja T, Firm Paloja T and Nova T(L. A. Dreyfus Corp.). Bubble gum bases are available as Paloja BubbleT, Ladco Bubble T and Grande Bubble T (L. A. Dreyfus Corp).

An essential ingredient of a present invention chewing gum compositionis between about 1-30 weight percent of a dispersed particle phase of anorganic-encapsulated alkali metal bicarbonate ingredient.

The alkali metal bicarbonate core matrix of the encapsulated particlesis sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or a mixture thereof.Optionally, the alkali metal bicarbonate core matrix of the encapsulatedparticles can have a content between about 0.1-20 weight percent ofalkali metal carbonate, based on the weight of alkali metal bicarbonatecore matrix content. The alkali metal carbonate can be a sodium orpotassium salt or a mixture thereof.

The average particle size of the encapsulated alkali metal bicarbonateingredient can range between about 20-200 microns. The organicencapsulant of the coated particles typically comprises between about5-60 weight percent of the encapsulated alkali metal bicarbonateparticles.

The organic encapsulant of the coated particles is selected fromhydrophilic and hydrophobic (water-insoluble) film-forming agents, andmixtures thereof, such as hydrocolloids and polysaccharides.

The term "hydrophilic" as employed herein refers to an encapsulantfilm-forming agent which has a water-solubility of at least about twograms per one hundred grams of water at 25° C.

The organic encapsulant can consist of 100% hydrophilic encapsulant, or100% water-insoluble encapsulant, or any mixture thereof. The rate ofalkali metal bicarbonate release during mastication of a chewing gumproduct is directly related to the hydrophilicity of the encapsulantcoating on the alkali metal bicarbonate particles. A hydrophilicencapsulant coating will sustain-release the core alkali metalbicarbonate content over a period of about 20 minutes. A water-insolubleencapsulant coating will sustain-release the alkali metal bicarbonateover a period of about 35 minutes. An organic encapsulant can comprise ahydrophilic polymer having a content between about 5-80 weight percentof a water-insoluble polymer.

Suitable hydrophilic encapsulants for coating the alkali metalbicarbonate particles include gum arabic, gum karaya, gum tragacanth,guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, carrageenan, alginate salt,casein, dextran, pectin, agar, sorbitol, 2-hydroxyethyl starch,2-aminoethyl starch, maltodextrin, amylodextrin, 2-hydroxyethylcellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose salt, cellulosesulfate salt, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylalcohol/acetate, and the like. Polyvinyl acetate is illustrative of awater-insoluble polymer which can be included as an additional coatingcomponent to moderate the hydrophilicity of a hydrophilic polymercoating.

Suitable water-insoluble encapsulants include polyvinyl acetate,polyacrylamide, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene,polyurethane, polymethacrylate, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, beeswax,stearyl alcohol, zein, shellac, edible fat, and the like. Encapsulantsutilized in chewing gum products are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,673,577, U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,794 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,190,incorporated by reference.

The encapsulant can be applied to the alkali metal bicarbonate particlesby conventional coating means, such as rotating disk, fluidized bed,spray drying, freeze drying, tumbling, coacervation, and the like.

In another embodiment a present invention chewing gum product has acontent between about 0.5-25 weight percent of particulate alkali metalbicarbonate ingredient which is not encapsulated. The unencapsulatedalkali metal bicarbonate can contain between about 0.1-20 weight percentof alkali metal carbonate, based on the weight of unencapsulated alkalimetal bicarbonate.

The unencapsulated alkali metal bicarbonate ingredient typically canhave an average particle size between about 10-250 microns. In apreferred embodiment, the alkali metal bicarbonate is in micronizedform, and has an average particle size between about 0.5-20 microns.

During mastication of a chewing gum product containing both encapsulatedand unencapsulated alkali metal bicarbonate ingredients, the productprovides both immediate and long lasting oral hygiene benefits. There isa clean taste and breath refreshment, and a prolonged deodorizing effecton mouth odor.

In another embodiment a present invention chewing gum product has acontent between about 5-70 weight percent of a water-soluble bulkingingredient.

The term "water-soluble" as employed herein refers to a chewing gumingredient which has a solubility of at least about five grams per onehundred grams of water at 25° C.

The water-soluble bulking ingredient in a chewing gum product typicallyincludes bulk sweeteners, high-potency sweeteners, flavorants,softeners, emulsifiers, colorants, fillers, antioxidants, and otherconstituents which contribute desirable attributes.

Between about 0.1-15 weight percent of a softener ingredient can beadded to enhance the chewability and mouth feel of the chewing gum. Thesoftener ingredient can comprise glycerin or lecithin or a mixturethereof, which additionally functions as a humectant.

The bulking ingredient can comprise between about 5-70 weight percent ofa bulking sweetener. Bulking sweeteners can consist of sugar and/orsugarless constituents. Sugar sweeteners are illustrated by saccharidessuch as sucrose, glucose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar,fructose, levulose, galactose, corn syrup solids, and the like.

Sugarless sweeteners are illustrated by polyhydric alcohols such assorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, maltitol,and the like.

Between about 0.025-2 weight percent of a high intensity sweeteneringredient can be utilized alone or in combination with a bulksweetener. High intensity sweeteners are illustrated by aspartame,saccharin, cyclamate, thaumatin, dihydrochalcones, acesulfame Kcompounds, and the like. Long lasting sweeteners can be achieved byencapsulating a portion or all of a high intensity sweetener ingredient.A higher content of high intensity sweetener can be employed when it isencapsulated. Encapsulants and coating techniques can be used which aresimilar to those described herein for an encapsulated alkali metalbicarbonate ingredient.

Between about 0.02-5 weight percent of a flavorant ingredient is usuallyincorporated in a present invention chewing gum product. Suitableflavorants include menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, wintergreenoil, cinnamon oil, anise, and the like. The flavorant can beencapsulated, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,826,847; 5,128,155; and5,266,335; incorporated by reference.

A present invention chewing gum product optionally can contain betweenabout 0.001-0.2 weight percent of a colorant ingredient, such asFD&C-type dyes and lakes. The colorant can be in the form of particleswhich give the gum matrix a speckled appearance. The speckled effectalso can be incorporated in a surface coating, such as the coating ondragee gum products. Speckled gum products are described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,744,991, incorporated by reference.

A chewing gum product additionally can contain between about 0.01-3weight percent of an antioxidant ingredient such as butylatedhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, and the like.

Between about 1-20 weight percent of an abrasive ingredient also can beincluded in a present invention chewing gum product to provide adentifrice cleaning action, in addition to the abrasive activity of thealkali metal bicarbonate ingredient. Suitable abrasives include a powderform of phosphate and silica compounds such as calcium phosphate, silicaxerogel, and the like. Other types of suitable abrasives are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,633 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,211, incorporated byreference.

The compatibility of the ingredients in a chewing gum product, and theenhancement of flavor, can be accomplished by the inclusion of betweenabout 0.001-3 weight percent of a surfactant ingredient in the chewinggum product.

Suitable anionic surfactants include alkali metal and ammonium C₈ -C₃₀aliphatic-containing carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate and phosphatesalts, such as sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfate,sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, ammonium lignosulfonate, and the like.

Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensation products of alkyleneoxide with fatty alcohols, amines and alkylphenols, such as ethoxylatedsorbitan monostearate, ethoxylated glycerol monostearate, and the like.

Suitable cationic surfactants include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide,cetylpyridinium chloride, benzyldimethylstearylammonium chloride, andthe like. This type of surfactant additionally imparts antibacterialactivity to a chewing gum product.

Other surfactants which are suitable for inclusion in a chewing gumproduct are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,026, incorporated byreference.

A present invention chewing gum product also can contain between about0.05-3 weight percent of a fluoridating ingredient for the prevention ofdental caries. Fluoridating agents are illustrated by alkali metalfluoride, ammonium fluoride, stannous fluoride, stannous chlorofluoride,potassium stannous fluoride, alkali metal monofluorophosphate, ammoniummonofluorophosphate, and the like.

A present invention chewing gum product can be produced in accordancewith conventional manufacturing processes, such as those described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,329,369, and as demonstrated in the following examples.

A present invention chewing gum product provides a novel combination ofproperties which function as a convenient adjunct to other oral hygienevehicles such as toothpastes and mouthwashes.

In a further embodiment this invention provides a method of oral hygienewhich comprises orally masticating a present invention chewing gumproduct in accordance with a regimen which satisfies personal need andconvenience.

The encapsulated alkali metal bicarbonate ingredient of a presentinvention chewing gum product is sustain-released over a prolongedperiod under gum mastication conditions.

A present invention chewing gum product provides dental cleaning action,and counteracts bacteria-generated acids, enhances saliva flow, andexhibits plaque-inhibiting and tartar-control activities.

The alkali metal bicarbonate ingredient of a present invention chewinggum product contributes oral care benefits such as dental cleaning andwhitening, and a prolonged period of mouth odor reduction. Other derivedadvantages are perceptions of breath refreshment and a pleasantmouthfeel during gum chewing.

The following examples are further illustrative of the presentinvention. The components and specific ingredients are presented asbeing typical, and various modifications can be derived in view of theforegoing disclosure within the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE I

This Example illustrates the particle size distribution of sodiumbicarbonate before and after air-jet milling.

Commercial grade sodium bicarbonate (3DF, Church & Dwight) is processedby air-jet milling (Particle Size Technology, Inc.), and the particlesize distribution of milled samples is determined in comparison withunmilled samples by means of a Microtrac laser-scattering particle sizeanalyzer.

The 3DF sodium bicarbonate has an average particle size of 31.4 microns,and the micronized 3DF sodium bicarbonate has an average particle sizeof 9.8 microns.

The middle 80% of particle size distribution is between 15.4 and 55.8microns for the 3DF sodium bicarbonate, and between 4.3 and 21.5 micronsfor the micronized form.

EXAMPLE II

This Example illustrates a fluidized bed procedure for encapsulating aparticulate bicarbonate compound with an organic coating in accordancewith the present invention.

A fluidized bed vessel is utilized which is equipped with a Wursterair-suspension coater system (WARF) as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,568,559 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,621.

A coating solution is prepared by dissolving polyethylene glycol (45 g,Poly-G 2000, Olin Corp.), and propylene glycol butyl ether (10 g, PPG14, Americol) in ethanol (500 g)/water (75 g).

Sodium bicarbonate is utilized as the core matrix crystallites. Thesodium bicarbonate (Particle Size Technology, Inc.) has an averageparticle size and particle size distribution having correspondence withan Example I type of micronized powder.

The sodium bicarbonate powder is charged into the coating chamber of thecoater system.

Compressed air is introduced into the coating chamber, and the organiccoating solution is sprayed on the air-suspended bicarbonate core matrixcrystallites, until the coating weight is about 30% of the total dryweight of the coated particles.

The procedure is repeated, except that hydroxypropylmethylcellulose(Methocel 60 HG, Dow Chemical Co.) is employed as the film-formingcoating medium.

The procedure is repeated, except that maltodextrin (Lodex 10; DurkeeFoods) or amylodextrin is employed as the coating medium, and 0.5 g of asurfactant is included in the solution (polyoxyethylenesorbitanmonolaurate; Tween 20; ICI Americas, Inc.).

The coated particles consist of a continuous film coating on an innercore of between about 2-10 crystallites of sodium bicarbonate. Thecoated particles have an average particle size of about 40 microns.

The procedure is repeated except that a polyvinyl acetate (M.W. 40,000)is employed as the polymeric medium for coating the sodium bicarbonateparticles.

EXAMPLE III

This Example illustrates the preparation of a chewing gum product inaccordance with the present invention.

An invention chewing gum product is prepared by processing the followingingredients:

    ______________________________________                                                             Wt. %                                                    ______________________________________                                        Cafosa Luxor 225-01 gum base.sup.(1)                                                                 23.92                                                  sorbitol liquid (70% solution)                                                                       2.39                                                   sorbitol powder        31.48                                                  mannitol powder        14.35                                                  maltitol powder        9.57                                                   sodium bicarbonate, micronized.sup.(2)                                                               4.78                                                   sodium bicarbonate, encapsulated.sup.(3)                                                             4.78                                                   peppermint oil         1.44                                                   glycerin (96%)         7.18                                                   sodium saccharin       0.10                                                   Blue #2 Lake           0.006                                                  ______________________________________                                         .sup.(1) Cafosa Co.                                                           .sup.(2) Average particle size of 12 microns (Example I).                     .sup.(3) Polyvinyl acetate coating (Example II).                         

The sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, micronized sodium bicarbonate andencapsulated sodium bicarbonate powders are blended. About one third ofthe blend is added to the preheated gum base (122° F.) in a mixer unit,and the medium is mixed for about 3 minutes.

The liquid sorbitol and glycerin are combined to form a solution. Aboutone half of the solution is added slowly to the mixer contents, and themedium is mixed for about 3 minutes.

The remaining dry blend and liquid solution portions are added withcontinuous mixing. The sodium saccharin and colorant are added withmixing, followed by the addition of the flavorant. The ingredient massis mixed until homogeneous. The resultant chewing gum formulation isrolled, sheeted, sized and packaged as a stick chewing gum product.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chewing gum product comprising between about15-80 weight percent of a gum base, and between about 1-30 weightpercent of dispersed particles of an organic-encapsulated alkali metalbicarbonate ingredient.
 2. A chewing gum product in accordance withclaim 1 wherein the alkali metal bicarbonate ingredient has a contentbetween about 0.1-20 weight percent of alkali metal carbonate, based onthe weight of alkali metal bicarbonate.
 3. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 1 which additionally contains between about 5-70weight percent of a water-soluble bulking ingredient.
 4. A chewing gumproduct in accordance with claim 1 which additionally contains betweenabout 0.02-5 weight percent of a flavorant ingredient which isencapsulated or unencapsulated or a mixture thereof.
 5. A chewing gumproduct in accordance with claim 1 which additionally contains betweenabout 0.001-0.2 weight percent of a colorant ingredient.
 6. A chewinggum product in accordance with claim 1 which additionally containsbetween about 0.01-3 weight percent of an antioxidant ingredient.
 7. Achewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 which additionallycontains between about 0.5-25 weight percent of an alkali metalbicarbonate powder ingredient.
 8. A chewing gum product in accordancewith claim 1 which additionally contains between about 0.5-25 weightpercent of an alkali metal bicarbonate powder ingredient, and betweenabout 0.1-20 weight percent of alkali metal carbonate, based on theweight of additional alkali metal bicarbonate powder ingredient.
 9. Achewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 which additionallycontains between about 1-20 weight percent of an abrasive ingredient.10. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 which additionallycontains between about 0.001-3 weight percent of a surfactantingredient.
 11. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 whichadditionally contains between about 0.05-3 weight percent of afluoridating ingredient.
 12. A chewing gum product in accordance withclaim 1 which additionally contains between about 0.1-15 weight percentof glycerin or lecithin or a mixture thereof.
 13. A chewing gum productin accordance with claim 1 which additionally contains between about5-70 weight percent of a bulking sweetener ingredient selected from thegroup consisting of sucrose, glucose, maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol andmannitol and mixtures thereof.
 14. A chewing gum product in accordancewith claim 1 which additionally contains between about 0.02-5 weightpercent of a flavorant ingredient selected from the group consisting ofencapsulated and unencapsulated menthol, peppermint oil, spearmint oil,wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil and anise and mixtures thereof.
 15. Achewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 which additionallycontains between about 0.5-25 weight percent of sodium bicarbonate orpotassium bicarbonate having an average particle size between about0.5-20 microns.
 16. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1which additionally contains between about 1-20 weight percent of anabrasive ingredient selected from the group consisting of calciumphosphate and silica compounds and mixtures thereof.
 17. A chewing gumproduct in accordance with claim 1 which additionally contains betweenabout 0.001-3 weight percent of a surfactant ingredient selected fromthe group consisting of alkali metal and ammonium C₈ -C₃₀aliphatic-containing carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate and phosphate saltsand mixtures thereof.
 18. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim1 which additionally contains between about 0.05-3 weight percent of afluoridating ingredient selected from the group consisting of alkalimetal fluoride, ammonium fluoride, stannous fluoride, stannouschlorofluoride, potassium stannous fluoride, alkali metalmonofluorophosphate, and ammonium monofluorophosphate and mixturesthereof.
 19. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 whichadditionally contains between about 0.025-2 weight percent of a highintensity sweetener selected from the group consisting of aspartame,saccharin, cyclamate, thaumatin, dihydrochalcones and acesulfame Kcompounds and mixtures thereof.
 20. A chewing gum product in accordancewith claim 1 which additionally contains between about 0.01-3 weightpercent of an antioxidant ingredient selected from the group consistingof butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallateand mixtures thereof.
 21. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim1 wherein the organic encapsulant comprises between about 5-60 weightpercent of the surface-coated bicarbonate particle dry weight.
 22. Achewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 wherein the organicencapsulant on the surface-coated bicarbonate particles comprises ahydrophilic polymer or water-insoluble polymer or a mixture thereof. 23.A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 wherein the organicencapsulant on the surface-coated bicarbonate particles comprises ahydrophilic polymer having a content between about 5-80 weight percentof a water-insoluble polymer, based on the coating weight.
 24. A chewinggum product in accordance with claim 1 wherein the organic encapsulanton the surface-coated bicarbonate particles comprises a polysaccharide.25. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 wherein the organicencapsulant on the surface-coated bicarbonate particles comprises ahydrocolloid.
 26. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1wherein the organic encapsulant on the surface-coated bicarbonateparticles comprises a starch.
 27. A chewing gum product in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the organic encapsulant on the surface-coatedbicarbonate particles comprises food grade shellac.
 28. A chewing gumproduct in accordance with claim 1 wherein the organic encapsulant onthe surface-coated bicarbonate particles comprises polyvinyl acetate.29. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 1 wherein the organicencapsulant on the surface-coated bicarbonate particles is selected fromwater-insoluble fats and waxes.
 30. A chewing gum product comprising (1)between about 15-80 weight percent of a gum base; (2) between about 1-30weight percent of dispersed particles of an organic-encapsulated alkalimetal bicarbonate ingredient; (3) between about 0-25 weight percent ofalkali metal bicarbonate powder ingredient; (4) between about 5-70weight percent of a water-soluble bulking ingredient; (5) between about0-5 weight percent of a flavorant ingredient; (6) between about 0-0.2weight percent of a colorant ingredient; (7) between about 0-20 weightpercent of an abrasive ingredient; (8) between about 0-3 weight percentof a surfactant ingredient; (9) between about 0-3 weight percent of afluoridating ingredient; and (10) between about 0-15 weight percent ofglycerin or lecithin or a mixture thereof.
 31. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 30 wherein the bulking ingredient is a sweetenerselected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, maltitol,xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol and mixtures thereof.
 32. A chewing gumproduct in accordance with claim 30 which contains between about 0.02-5weight percent of a flavorant ingredient which is encapsulated orunencapsulated or a mixture thereof.
 33. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 30 which contains between about 0.001-0.2 weightpercent of a colorant ingredient.
 34. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 30 which contains between about 1-20 weightpercent of an abrasive ingredient.
 35. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 30 which contains between about 0.001-3 weightpercent of a surfactant ingredient.
 36. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 30 which contains between about 0.05-3 weightpercent of a fluoridating ingredient.
 37. A chewing gum product inaccordance with claim 30 which additionally contains between about0.5-25 weight percent of an alkali metal bicarbonate powder ingredient.38. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 30 which containsbetween about 0.1-15 weight percent of glycerin or lecithin or a mixturethereof.
 39. A chewing gum product in accordance with claim 30 whereinthe organic encapsulant on the surface-coated bicarbonate particlescomprises a mixture of starch and polyvinyl acetate.
 40. A method oforal hygiene which comprises orally masticating a claim 30 chewing gumproduct in accordance with a regimen which satisfies personal need andconvenience.